The Ecologist Goes to Washington features the stories and reflections of scientists who have engaged their local, state, or federal governments in addressing the broader implications of their research.

Picture Your Grant on the Hannity Show: David Inouye on why basic research isn’t a bridge to nowhere

Senators Coburn and McCain recently released a report on wasteful stimulus package spending, pointing to several NSF-funded studies, including ecologist David Inouye’s research on the response of alpine wildflowers to climate change. Here, Inouye discusses the experience of having his work singled out in the report—and subsequently on the Sean Hannity show—and explains how basic research is indeed a public investment. For more information, see the accompanying post on ESA’s blog Ecotone.